The North East of India is renowned for its natural beauty, rich cultures, and one of its most beloved treasures—Assam Tea. Whether you’re enjoying a misty morning overlooking rolling tea gardens or savouring a warm cup while planning your next adventure, Assam Tea brings a distinctive touch to the moment. But what goes into making the perfect cup of Assam Tea? Let’s dive into the nuances and steps to achieve an exceptional brew.
Before diving into the brewing process, it’s essential to understand the different varieties of Assam Tea. Here are the main types:
Known for its bold, malty flavour, this type is perfect for those who love a robust, full-bodied tea. It’s often used as a base for English Breakfast blends. Black Assam Tea can be further categorised into:
Lighter and more delicate, green Assam tea offers grassy notes and a subtle sweetness. It’s ideal for those who prefer a milder tea experience.
The rarest of the three, white Assam tea has a gentle, floral profile and is known for its smoothness. It’s less processed and retains more antioxidants.
The key to a great cup of Assam Tea lies in the brewing technique. Each type has its ideal brewing process to bring out the best flavours.
For warm days, a refreshing iced tea can be the perfect pick-me-up. Here’s how to make it:
Every tea drinker’s palate is unique, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different types and preparation methods. Whether you prefer the intensity of CTC tea in a chai blend or the nuanced flavours of whole leaf Assam sipped slowly, making Assam tea is an art that anyone can master with practice and passion. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying a cup that truly brings out the essence of Assam—a land as vibrant and robust as its tea.
About Assam Tea
Assam tea is known for its bold, malty flavor and deep amber color, thanks to the region’s low altitude, high humidity, and rich soil. The combination of these factors creates a strong, full-bodied tea with a naturally brisk taste.
Black Assam Tea – The most common, known for its malty and robust flavor.
Green Assam Tea – Less oxidized, retaining a fresh, grassy, and slightly sweet taste.
White Assam Tea – The rarest, with delicate floral and fruity notes.
CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) Assam Tea – Processed into small granules, giving a stronger brew, commonly used in chai.
Yes, Assam tea is grown at a lower altitude in a humid, tropical climate, giving it a stronger, maltier taste, while Darjeeling tea is grown at higher altitudes with cooler temperatures, resulting in a lighter, more floral and muscatel flavor.
The Camellia sinensis var. assamica plant, unique to Assam, thrives in the region’s humid climate, producing more tannins, which contribute to its signature malty taste.
Brewing Assam Tea
For the best results:
Black Assam Tea – 95-100°C (boiling water)
Green Assam Tea – 75-80°C (let water cool for a minute after boiling)
White Assam Tea – 70-75°C (cool the water slightly more)
Black Tea: 3-5 minutes (longer for stronger flavor, but avoid over-steeping)
Green Tea: 2-3 minutes to prevent bitterness
White Tea: 4-7 minutes for a delicate infusion
Loose-leaf Assam tea can be steeped twice, though the second infusion will be milder. However, CTC tea is best for a single strong brew.
Assam black tea pairs well with milk and sugar, making it a great choice for chai or a traditional English Breakfast-style tea. However, green and white Assam teas are best enjoyed plain.
Health Benefits & Storage
Rich in antioxidants – Helps fight free radicals.
Boosts energy – Naturally contains caffeine and theanine, improving alertness.
Supports heart health – May help regulate blood pressure.
Aids digestion – Assam tea’s tannins can help with digestion after meals.
Yes, Assam black tea is one of the strongest teas in terms of caffeine content, typically 50-90 mg per cup, depending on the brewing time.
To maintain freshness:
Store in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture.
Keep in a cool, dark place (avoid storing near spices or strong-smelling foods).
Use within 6-12 months for optimal flavor.
General Questions
Authentic Assam tea can be purchased from reputed tea brands, estate-owned tea companies, or specialty tea shops that source directly from Assam.
Use filtered water for a cleaner taste.
Adjust the steeping time for desired strength.
Experiment with honey, lemon, or spices for different flavors.
